Sudden pain at the pump

Wallets are about to become thinner and checking accounts lighter with a overnight surge in gas prices throughout the state.Ridgecrest’s gas stations haven’t escaped unscathed as gas station prices soared.Friday gas prices hit an average of $4.59 per gallon for regular gasoline throughout the city.Stat...

Friday gas prices hit an average of $4.59 per gallon for regular gasoline throughout the city.

Statewide, the price hovered around $4.55 a gallon on Friday.

Prices at both local Chevron stores shot passed the state average at $4.89 a gallon, while all three Fastrip fueling stations advertised $4.39 a gallon. USA Gasoline prices on College Heights Boulevard hit $4.43 a gallon.

Some stores in Southern California have closed down operations after running out of gas.